Category: Sprimun 2016-2017

The 2017 edition of the SPRIMUN will have the immense pleasure to host as its opening speaker

Mr Colin Archer

Secretary General of the International Peace Bureau

The International Peace Bureau received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1910 and, through its work on a World Without War, truly embodies the peace building initiatives built by the international community. Its network is comprised of 300 organizations in 70 countries: it holds consultative status with the Economic and Social committee and the department of Public information of the United Nations. We are truly humbled by the fact that Mr Archer accepted our invitation.

We are also extremely grateful to Le Mouvement de la Paix who helped us greatly in the organization of this conference ! Remember to have a look at their social media on our partners page !

Dear Marion, you are responsible for the Communication of the 5th edition of SPRIMUN. We would like to know more about you and your role in this event.

What is your best MUN memory?

Well, there is a lot to say! I like when the debates take a surprising turn. It is also very valuable when experts on specific international issues share their knowledge at the opening ceremony. I would add that this year’s SPRIMUN will allow its delegates to discover the Breton culture through music and dance. It will be a great moment, for sure.

Why have you decided to join the SPRIMUN organization team?

After having experienced several simulations of the United Nations conferences, I wanted to discover how such an event can be organized and how I can contribute to it. I am learning a lot, as our meetings are enriching, and I am lucky because the organization team is really great!

What are SPRIMUN’s main values?

In addition to the intellectual interest and the formal aspect of the event, it is dear to our hearts that the SPRIMUN be an opportunity to exchange and share good moments with young people of different nationalities. This year, we will be welcoming delegates from Italy, Ghana, the Czech Republic, Australia, Georgia, Germany and many more countries!

What would you say to students wishing to take part in their first MUN?

Do not hesitate! Honestly, participating in a Model United Nations is a real source of enrichment on various aspects. Deepening one’s understanding of international issues, discovering the inner workings of the United Nations, getting an experience of international negotiation and even learning to speak in public and overcome one’s natural timidity. All this in English.

Dear Doriane, you are responsible for the Partnerships of the 5th edition of SPRIMUN. We would like to know more about you and your role in this event.

What do you enjoy the most in a MUN?

For me, the best part of the MUN experience is obviously traveling to a new country or city, and getting to meet interesting and passionate people from around the World. Also, having a rather shy personality, I enjoy the thrill of challenging myself to stand up and defend my country’s positions in front of a scary (at first) dozen of other delegates!

Why have you decided to join the SPRIMUN organization team?

I discovered the concept of MUNs here at Sciences Po Rennes. I participated in 2015 in the ScotMUN of Edinburgh and of course in the SPRIMUN, and I really loved both experiences. Being a member of the organization team for the 5th Edition was the perfect and logical opportunity for me to pursue my interest in diplomatic negotiations. Managing the conference partnerships is a great way for me to be a part of the team, while trying to add a little added-value to this new edition by strengthening ties with all of our partners!

Why is SPRIMUN 2017 a must-attend event?

SPRIMUN allows everyone, beginners or confirmed « Muners » to enjoy a high-quality conference and to discuss a variety of complex international issues. At the same time, every delegate get to be immersed in the beautiful city of Rennes through fun socials each day, and enjoy a glimpse of what the culture of Brittany has to offer. I believe that this conference prides itself upon its accessibility!

What are you passionate about in life?

My true passions in life are the arts! I’ve always loved to experience all kinds of cultures and art forms, and have dabbled in it myself… While not taking anything too seriously!

What does make you unhappy?

About MUNs, it would have to be when someone chooses not to speak, especially during a friendly conference like the SPRIMUN! 🙂

Marie Elise, you are responsible for the Committees of the 5th edition of SPRIMUN. We would like to know more about you and your role at this event.

→ What do you enjoy the most in a MUN?

Participating in a MUN is both enjoyable on a professional and on a social level. In three days, you get to know more about global politics, you can experience public speaking and you can meet people from all around the globe, it really is enriching. I always feel very sad when a MUN is over, because it is so intense and it is a real escape from ‘normal life’.

→ Why have you decided to join the SPRIMUN organization team?

I have been involved in MUN activities for quite some time now, having been a delegate, a chair, and the President of Sciences Po’s MUN society. I felt like it was high time to try and see how a MUN was made from scratch.

→ Why is SPRIMUN 2017 a must-attend event?

First, the team is highly motivated and all of the members have a strong experience regarding MUNs. Everyone knows what they are doing, so you should definitely expect an unforgettable conference. We will furthermore have a new committee in French – the Human Rights Council/Conseil des droits de l’homme – and this is definitely a must-try this year.

→ What are your strengths and weaknesses in life?

I think that when I am involved in a project I do it as seriously as I can. But on the other hand I can be too bossy and I know that, for instance, when I chair I really don’t like it when it is too relaxed, I’d rather see the debate moving forward until the very last minute of the debate than joking on undiplomatic matters.

→ What is the most important value that one could uphold in your eyes?

Dear Jade, you are responsible for Logistics & Socials of the 5th edition of SPRIMUN. We would like to know more about you and your role at this event.

What is your favorite moment at a MUN?

I’d say it is when the MUN starts. Delegates are usually excited about the event and meeting each other. They wonder what will be the outcomes of the negotiations. The opening conference is also one of the most memorable parts of the MUN with the participation of fascinating guests.

Why have you decided to join the SPRIMUN organization team?

My first MUN was in 2013 in Edinburgh. I enjoyed it so much and I haven’t wanted to stop getting involved in MUNs ever since. I want other people to enjoy them as much as I have during my MUN experiences. That’s why I decided to join the SPRIMUN organization team and to make the SPRIMUN the greatest MUN that has ever existed.

Can you reveal a secret about the socials at SPRIMUN 2017?

If I did that, I would probably have to kill you…
We’ll be keeping the surprises a secret, before revealing them to you once you come to Rennes. But I promise you that it will be unbelievable.

What is the most important value that one could uphold in your eyes?

I consider the respect of others as the most important value. During MUNs you’ll meet people from all over the world and it’s important to have respect for each of them. It is also important as a delegate to have respect for the delegates who represent hostile nations during the negotiations.

Dear Victor, you are responsible for the Communication of the 5th edition of SPRIMUN. We would like to know more about you and your role in this event.

→ What are your expectations when you take part in a MUN?

I am always looking forward to a great debate. To my mind, the most important thing in a MUN is the diversity of profiles and nationalities in the delegates in order to have the most comprehensive approach of the topics. I expect to return home having learned things about the hot-button issues of international relations as well as elements from other cultures and maybe some basic foreign words.

→ Why have you decided to join the SPRIMUN organization team?

The SPRIMUN and I go a long way. I started university in September 2012 and participated at the first SPRIMUN edition in 2013, it was my first MUN. I loved it so I decided to join again for my first chairing experience in 2015 and I also had a great time. As it may be my last year in this institution I decided for my final turn that I would make this edition the best Rennes has ever seen.

→ How would you characterize SPRIMUN 2017?

SPRIMUN 2017 is a binding and demanding project, especially because we want this year’s edition to be the best and the most opened Sciences Po Rennes has ever organized. We already have a lot of different nationalities and profiles in the delegates and we hope that dedicated students from all around the world would continue to come to this amazing city to debate with us.

→ What is the craziest thing you saw in a MUN?

In February 2014 I participated to the ScotMUN in Edinburg, and somehow after the socials I lost my way to the hostel and got to a place called the Café Voltaire, where I met this guy named Ed, with whom I rode in a bicycle-cab to the casino to find him arguing with his former rugby trainer he didn’t see in 10 years. So here I stood, drunk, in a suit, in the middle of the slots, trying to patch things up between the two crying and finally hugging, when a friend of the trainer, kind of a muscle mountain, just looked at me and said: “You talk too much: now I give you ten seconds to shut the hell up and get out of here”. And believe me, I did.

→ According to you, does life have a sense?

I tend more and more to think that the aim of life is to acquire abilities from matters you are not supposed to handle, whatever that means.

Marie Elise, you are responsible for the Committees of the 5th edition of SPRIMUN. We would like to know more about you and your role at this event.

What do you enjoy the most in a MUN?

Participating in a MUN is both enjoyable on a professional and on a social level. In three days, you get to know more about global politics, you can experience public speaking and you can meet people from all around the globe, it really is enriching. I always feel very sad when a MUN is over, because it is so intense and it is a real escape from ‘normal life’.

Why have you decided to join the SPRIMUN organization team?

I have been involved in MUN activities for quite some time now, having been a delegate, a chair, and the President of Sciences Po’s MUN society. I felt like it was high time to try and see how a MUN was made from scratch.

Why is SPRIMUN 2017 a must-attend event?

First, the team is highly motivated and all of the members have a strong experience regarding MUNs. Everyone knows what they are doing, so you should definitely expect an unforgettable conference. We will furthermore have a new committee in French – the Human Rights Council/Conseil des droits de l’homme – and this is definitely a must-try this year.

What are your strengths and weaknesses in life?

I think that when I am involved in a project I do it as seriously as I can. But on the other hand I can be too bossy and I know that, for instance, when I chair I really don’t like it when it is too relaxed, I’d rather see the debate moving forward until the very last minute of the debate than joking on undiplomatic matters.

Dear Lisa, you are responsible for the Delegates of the 5th edition of SPRIMUN. We would like to know more about you and your role in this event.

What is your best MUN memory?

Good question! It was probably during SPRIMUN 2015, I was representing the United Kingdom. The chairs were very good friends of mine so, at the end of a session, after a fruitful and intense debate, another delegate and I decided to send them anonymous notes with some weird/funny MUN pick-up lines.I remember seeing one of them opening the notes, trying very hard not to laugh and showing it to the other chair who had trouble holding it in as well. No one understood what was happening, it was hilarious.

What is your role as Delegates Manager of the SPRIMUN organization team?

My role as Delegates Manager consists of many various things: I am basically in charge of the relations between the SPRIMUN staff and the delegates, I am taking care of the registrations of the delegations and individual delegates (visa procedures, hotels, which countries they are to represent, which committee there are in etc). I will be making sure all the delegates are at ease and ready to debate fruitfully. I am working a lot with all the other SPRIMUN staff members since everything has to be coordinated.

Why should we all take part in SPRIMUN 2017?

You should take part in SPRIMUN 2017 because I guarantee you that we are a wonderful team of 9 people determined to make of the 5th edition an amazing one. You have the opportunity to learn a lot in terms of international relations and gain knowledge and experience, you will get to speak in front of an audience in a foreign language, meet a lot of people coming from many various places around the world while having a lot of fun! Why would you say no to such a thing?

What are your strengths and weaknesses in a MUN?

In a MUN, I am a very sociable person, I really love meeting people, debating, and partying with them. Besides, if I have an objective, I won’t give up on it, just like I will stick to the position of my country no matter how hard it can be to defend. However, it hasn’t always been easy to be representing a country from the minority group during some debates. Given the fact that you don’t have a lot of allies, you’re kind of the « outsider ». Being able to make yourself heard and taken into account was a bit tough, especially among the dominating delegations, but that was an amazing challenge as well! I got to strengthen the relations my country had with others, so that at the end, we were a team, a small one, but a real one!

What is your leitmotiv in life?

A very close friend of mine used to say, « it will all be alright at the end darling, if it’s not alright, it’s not the end ». I know this quote wasn’t originally from him, but he always brought this up when needed. It is what has been guiding me ever since.

Benjamin, you are responsible for the finances of the 5th edition of SPRIMUN. We would like to know more about you and your role in this event.

What do you enjoy the most in a MUN?

What makes a MUN special is first and foremost the delegates who take part in it. My fondest memories of MUNs come from the heated debates I had with delegates who were on the top of their game on the floor, but who were also turning up the heat on the dancefloor during the socials.

Why have you decided to join the SPRIMUN organization team?

So far I’ve enjoyed three great SPRIMUNs, including last year’s one where I represented the United States during a crisis committee in which humanity was tragically cut short by a series of nuclear explosions. The SPRIMUN is always a MUN that is great fun and I’m hoping to play my part in making this year’s edition the best ever.

Can you give us a secret away about SPRIMUN 2017?

I have heard a rumour that this year’s secretariat is one of the sexiest ever, but I cannot confirm or deny this for the moment. Delegates will no doubt have to come to the SPRIMUN to find out if there is any truth behind it.

What is your biggest dream?

I’ve always found it very easy to dream, so to choose the biggest of them all is quite a task. While I could pick quite a few noble dreams, some more individualistic ones, and even a few realistic ones, my biggest dream without a doubt would be to see my favourite football team, Southampton FC, win the Premier League.

What makes you very happy?

Pleasing me is not a very hard thing. Even a bad joke can sometimes make me laugh my socks off. But I’m by far my happiest when I’m in arm’s reach of some form of alcohol and surrounded by friends I can have fun with.
I’m also more than likely to be very happy to meet you when you come to Rennes for the 2017 SPRIMUN so don’t forget to sign up once applications open! 😉